Skid Row Run Club take on their first triathlon at Herbalife24 Tri in LA
Running has become a healing outlet for the Skid Row, Los Angeles community. When members run, it helps them clear their minds and their challenges, like overcoming alcohol or drug abuse. In the process, they can achieve their life goals. The Skid Row Running Club uses the power of running to improve the lives of those who are at risk of homelessness and addiction and now Skid Row Running Club are taking on their first triathlon. 
The club develops a dedicated running program for its participants to keep them focused on fitness; encourages mentor/mentee relationships for members; organizes charity and fundraising events to support members; provides chances to compete in local, regional and national running events, and more.
And all of the positive benefits of the club have been made possible because of the club’s founder, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell, who saw an opportunity to uplift the community he relentlessly works for and serves every day.
This year, in an effort to continue empowering individuals and take their endurance to the next level, members of the Skid Row Run Club are taking on their first Triathlon at the Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2021.
We heard from some of the Skid Row Run Club members and what this community means to them
Mario Ocampo
What does Skid Row Running Club mean to you and how did you get involved with this community?
What change have you seen in yourself and the community since running with Skid Row Running Club?
I got to see a big change. I went from "having" to be there to I "get to" be there. I made extremely good friends. Judge Mitchell helped me see myself as a different person. I can’t put into words everything the Club has done for me.
Pam Velasquez
What does Skid Row Running Club mean to you and how did you get involved with this community?
I was connected to the Skid Row Running Club through Mario. I didn’t think anything about it when I first joined, and during the past couple of months the Club has turned out to be a chosen family outside of my natal family. I’ve got new friends and new possibilities of who I get to be. I get to know myself and my limitations and learn new things. I get opportunities to do new things. I get to have experiences with other people -- like doing a triathlon!
What change have you seen in yourself and the community since running with Skid Row Running Club?
Fearlessness in myself, in the love of running. I have a whole new relationship with running. I used to be very active and now I’m outdoing what I thought I’d be able to do. I’m more creative. It’s a new relationship for me -- it’s not just about running, it’s the people.
What do you hope to get out of doing the Herbalife Tri?
It was a thought, the thought became action, and it’s now in creation. I will surprise myself and exceed my limitations. I’ll do more than what I thought I was capable of. A lot of things will change within myself. I didn’t even know what an Iron Man was and now I'm looking at doing one. I have been able to meet a lot of people in the triathlon community, people like Brennan and Gena. We’ve discussed the difference in economic classes and how only certain people are able to participate. Being in this new social circle opens it up to a person of lower income. It’s now more obtainable for me financially, emotionally and physically.
Michael Goldman
What does Skid Row Running Club mean to you and how did you get involved with this community?
The Skid Row Running Club is like a second family. We all push each other to be better and support one another in athletics but also in life. I found SRRC through a 12 Step program that I joined to save my life from drug addiction and alcoholism. I met a few men that were living at the Midnight Mission who started running with the club and inspired me to come along.
What change have you seen in yourself and the community since running with Skid Row Running Club?
Being part of the SRRC has taught me a lot: discipline, endurance, faith - it has helped me get up when I didn’t want to and be an example to the new members who don't think they could do it
What do you hope to get out of doing the Herbalife24 Tri?
I am looking forward to the Herbalife24 triathlon to be able to put all my training to the test. The Herbalife Tri has brought several of us closer together training each week and that has been more valuable than the actual race. I am grateful for the race for pushing me to keep training and being a better person all around.
To follow the Skid Row team chasing their finish line at Herbalife24 Tri
Skid Row Running Club
Herbalife24 Triathlon